TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
KJV (with Strong's)
And Moses H4872 said H559 unto him, As soon as I am gone out H3318 of the city H5892, I will spread abroad H6566 my hands H3709 unto the LORD H3068; and the thunder H6963 shall cease H2308, neither shall there be any more hail H1259; that thou mayest know H3045 how that the earth H776 is the LORD'S H3068.
Complete Jewish Bible
Moshe said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to ADONAI; the thunder will end, and there won't be any more hail - so that you can know that the earth belongs to ADONAI.
Berean Standard Bible
Moses said to him, “When I have left the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.
American Standard Version
And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto Jehovah; the thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know that the earth is Jehovah’s.
World English Bible Messianic
Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands to the LORD. The thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses saide vnto him, Assoone as I am out of the citie, I will spreade mine hands vnto the Lord, and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more haile, that thou mayest knowe that the earth is the Lordes.
Young's Literal Translation
And Moses saith unto him, `At my going out of the city, I spread my palms unto Jehovah--the voices cease, and the hail is not any more, so that thou knowest that the earth is Jehovah's;
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In the KJVVerse 1,772 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 9 verses 22–35
22 ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.
23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.
24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.
26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
28 Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.
31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
32 But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.
33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.
The threatened plague of hail is here summoned by the powerful hand and rod of Moses (Exo 9:22, Exo 9:23), and it obeys the summons, or rather the divine command; for fire and hail fulfil God's word, Psa 148:8. And here we are told,
I. What desolations it made upon the earth. The thunder, and fire from heaven (or lightning), made it both the more dreadful and the more destroying, Exo 9:23, Exo 9:24. Note, God makes the clouds, not only his store-houses whence he drops fatness on his people, but his magazines whence, when he pleases, he can draw out a most formidable train of artillery, with which to destroy his enemies. He himself speaks of the treasures of hail which he hath reserved against the day of battle and war, Job 38:22, Job 38:23. Woeful havoc this hail made in the land of Egypt. It killed both men and cattle, and battered down, not only the herbs, but the trees, Exo 9:25. The corn that was above ground was destroyed, and that only preserved which as yet had not come up, Exo 9:31, Exo 9:32. Note, God has many ways of taking away the corn in the season thereof (Hos 2:9), either by a secret blasting, or a noisy hail. In this plague the hot thunderbolts, as well as the hail, are said to destroy their flocks, Psa 78:47, Psa 78:48; and see Psa 105:32, Psa 105:33. Perhaps David alludes to this when, describing God's glorious appearances for the discomfiture of his enemies, he speaks of the hailstones and coals of fire he threw among them, Psa 18:12, Psa 18:13. And there is a plan reference to it on the pouring out of the seventh vial, Rev 16:21. Notice is here taken (Exo 9:26) of the land of Goshen's being preserved from receiving any damage by this plague. God has the directing of the pregnant clouds, and causes it to rain or hail on one city and not on another, either in mercy or in judgment.
II. What a consternation it put Pharaoh in. See what effect it had upon him, 1. He humbled himself to Moses in the language of a penitent, Exo 9:27, Exo 9:28. No man could have spoken better. He owns himself on the wrong side in his contest with the God of the Hebrews: "I have sinned in standing it out so long." He owns the equity of God's proceedings against him: The Lord is righteous, and must be justified when he speaks, though he speak in thunder and lightning. He condemns himself and his land: "I and my people are wicked, and deserve what is brought upon us." He begs the prayers of Moses: "Entreat the Lord for me, that this direful plague may be removed." And, lastly, he promises to yield up his prisoners: I will let you go. What could one desire more? And yet his heart was hardened all this while. Note, The terror of the rod often extorts penitent acknowledgments from those who have no penitent affections; under the surprise and smart of affliction, they start up, and say that which is pertinent enough, not because they are deeply affected, but because they know that they should be and that it is meet to be said. 2. Moses, hereupon, becomes an intercessor for him with God. Though he had all the reason in the world to think that he would immediately repent of his repentance, and told him so (Exo 9:30), yet he promises to be this friend in the court of heaven. Note, Even those whom we have little hopes of, yet we should continue to pray for, and to admonish, Sa1 12:23. Observe, (1.) The place Moses chose for his intercession. He went out of the city (Exo 9:33), not only for privacy in his communion with God, but to show that he durst venture abroad into the field, notwithstanding the hail and lightning which kept Pharaoh and his servants within doors, knowing that every hail-stone had its direction from his God, who meant him no hurt. Note, Peace with God makes men thunderproof, for thunder is the voice of their Father. (2.) The gesture: He spread abroad his hands unto the Lord - an outward expression of earnest desire and humble expectation. Those that come to God for mercy must stand ready to receive it. (3.) The end Moses aimed at in interceding for him: That thou mayest know, and be convinced, that the earth is the Lord's (Exo 9:29), that is, that God has a sovereign dominion over all the creatures, that they all are ruled by him, and therefore that thou oughtest to be so. See what various methods God uses to bring men to their proper senses. Judgments are sent, judgments removed, and all for the same end, to make men know that he Lord reigns. (4.) The success of it. [1.] He prevailed with God, Exo 9:33. But, [2.] He could not prevail with Pharaoh: He sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, Exo 9:34, Exo 9:35. The prayer of Moses opened and shut heaven, like Elias's (Jam 5:17, Jam 5:18), and such is the power of God's two witnesses (Rev 11:6); yet neither Moses nor Elias, nor those two witnesses, could subdue the hard hearts of men. Pharaoh was frightened into a compliance by the judgment, but, when it was over, his convictions vanished, and his fair promises were forgotten. Note, Little credit is to be given to confessions upon the rack. Note also, Those that are not bettered by judgments and mercies are commonly made worse.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–35. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In response to Pharaoh's desperate plea during the devastating hail plague, Moses promises to intercede with the LORD, declaring that as soon as he leaves the city to pray, the thunder and hail will cease. The explicit and overarching purpose of this divine intervention is for Pharaoh, and by extension all of Egypt, to comprehend and acknowledge the absolute sovereignty of the LORD over all creation, demonstrating His unique power far surpassing any Egyptian deity.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs direct speech from Moses, lending immediate authority and weight to his pronouncement. This direct address to Pharaoh creates a powerful sense of confrontation and divine decree. A clear cause-and-effect relationship is established: Moses's departure and prayer will directly result in the cessation of the storm. This highlights divine responsiveness to intercession and God's precise control over nature. The concluding phrase, "that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S," functions as a theological thesis statement, revealing the profound, revelatory purpose behind the miraculous events. Furthermore, the act of "spreading abroad my hands" serves as symbolism for humble reliance and earnest supplication, contrasting with Pharaoh's pride and self-reliance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates several core theological truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. It fundamentally asserts God's absolute sovereignty and universal dominion over all creation, including the forces of nature, challenging any notion of competing powers or independent natural laws outside of His control. This truth is foundational to understanding God's character and His relationship with the world. The efficacy of Moses's intercessory prayer highlights God's willingness to respond to the humble petitions of His servants, even on behalf of His enemies, demonstrating His mercy amidst judgment. Moreover, the plagues, including the hail, serve as a potent means of divine revelation through judgment, by which God makes His identity and power known to those who previously defied or ignored Him. Judgment, in this context, is not solely punitive but also pedagogical, intended to bring about knowledge and recognition of God's authority. Finally, the declaration "the earth is the LORD'S" is a foundational biblical truth, asserting God's proprietorship over everything that exists, emphasizing that humanity is merely a steward of what ultimately belongs to Him.
This theme of God's universal dominion connects to the broader biblical narrative of creation, where God is depicted as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos:
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:29 challenges us to live with a profound and unwavering awareness of God's absolute sovereignty. In a world that often seeks to control, explain away, or attribute natural phenomena to impersonal forces, this verse powerfully reminds us that God remains the ultimate authority over all things, from global weather patterns to the intricate details of our personal lives. It calls us to trust implicitly in His control, even amidst chaos, uncertainty, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, recognizing that He works all things according to His wise and perfect purposes. Furthermore, Moses's example underscores the vital role and profound power of intercessory prayer. We are invited to bring our petitions before the LORD, confident that He hears and responds, and that our prayers can indeed influence circumstances and align with His divine will. Finally, acknowledging that "the earth is the LORD'S" should fundamentally shape our stewardship of creation, our pursuit of justice, our generosity with possessions, and our complete submission to His will in every sphere of life, recognizing that everything we have and are ultimately belongs to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses go outside the city to pray?
Answer: Moses's departure from the city served a crucial, symbolic purpose. It demonstrated that the cessation of the plague was not a coincidence, a natural phenomenon, or a result of Pharaoh's presence or the power of Egyptian gods within the city's confines. By praying outside the city, Moses made it unequivocally clear that the miraculous intervention was a direct, divine response from the LORD, separate from any perceived earthly or pagan influence. This act underscored God's absolute control and His direct response to His servant's intercession, ensuring that the glory for the miracle belonged solely to Yahweh.
Was Pharaoh's repentance genuine in this instance?
Answer: While Pharaoh confessed his sin and asked for Moses's intercession in Exodus 9:27-28, the subsequent verses, particularly Exodus 9:34-35, reveal that his repentance was superficial and temporary. It was driven by immediate fear of the devastating plague rather than a true change of heart or genuine submission to the LORD. As soon as the immediate threat passed and the hail ceased, he hardened his heart once again. This pattern highlights the profound difference between fear-induced compliance and true, transformative repentance that leads to lasting obedience and faith.
Does "the earth is the LORD'S" mean God is responsible for all natural disasters?
Answer: Biblically, the declaration "the earth is the LORD'S" affirms God's ultimate sovereignty and control over all creation, including natural forces. In the specific context of the plagues, God directly orchestrated the hail as a precise act of judgment and revelation. While the Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including natural phenomena, it does not imply that every natural disaster is a direct, punitive judgment from God in the same way the plagues were. However, it does mean that no natural event occurs outside of His ultimate knowledge and permission. God can and does use such events for His purposes, whether for correction, revelation of His power, or to demonstrate His providential care, even if the immediate cause is complex or secondary.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declaration that "the earth is the LORD'S" finds its ultimate fulfillment and most complete amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the divine agent through whom all things were created and for whom all things exist (Colossians 1:16). Therefore, the earth, which belongs inherently to the Father, also belongs to the Son. Jesus demonstrated this inherent sovereignty over creation throughout His earthly ministry, mirroring and exceeding the power displayed by God through Moses. Just as God commanded the hail to cease, Jesus commanded the raging winds and turbulent waves to be still with a mere word (Mark 4:39), revealing His divine authority over nature itself. His miraculous ability to multiply a few loaves and fish to feed thousands (Matthew 14:19-21) further underscores His dominion over the created order and its resources. The plagues in Exodus were a powerful demonstration of God's power to deliver His people from bondage and judge His enemies; similarly, Jesus's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection represent the ultimate act of deliverance from the bondage of sin and the judgment of death, establishing His universal kingship. The overarching purpose of the plagues—that Pharaoh might "know how that the earth is the LORD'S"—is fully realized in Christ, who, having been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18), now reigns as the true Lord of all creation, to whom every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess (Philippians 2:10-11).